Werner Herzog said on the radio recently that joy is “an essential part of cinema. It is about
awe. It is about wonder. Without that you shouldn’t be a filmmaker.” Watch one of Werner Herzog’s documentary films and describe how he transmits joy, awe and wonder. How does he use humour? Do you think he is right that you shouldn’t be making films without joy, awe and wonder?
I watched Herzog’s documentary called Cave of forgotten dreams. Its about the Chauvet caves of Southern France, capturing the oldest known pictorial creations of humankind in their astonishing natural setting. For me theirs wonder and mistery in his voice which makes the whole thing more misterys and as an audience we are fixed on the information/story and has us hooked. I’m not really interested in this kind of documentary but with the interesting camera angles and the setting and also the voice over I found it quite interesting and enjoyable.
Werner Herzog has directed may different goners of films. For example documentary, dramas, historical films, adventure,horror and si-fi films. Some of his best known films are Grizzly Man,Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo and many more.
For me when Herzog talks about joy, most people think about joy meaning happy or full of life. But what about the people who enjoy darker/horror films or even sad films like the boy in the striped pajamas. Or maybe Herzong means that whatever film you watch regardless of the genar should bring joy/satisfaction to all and enjoy watching it. The audience should enjoy watching it.
Whichever way you look at it all types have film consists of joy and wonder. For example in the horror film The shining you wonder whats going to happen to the family, will the family escape and what will happen to Jack. But in happy,family fun up beat love film like Greece you wonder if Sandy and Danny will get back together or if they will find someone else and wonder what will happen in the end.
I think that all films should bring joy and wonder regardless of the type of film otherwise the audience would lose interest and wouldn’t care for the characters or what there going through.
Poppy’s FMP 
Hello Poppy – I like that you find ways to understand joy in the context of some of Herzog’s darker films and see that satisfaction is an element of this. I also see it as a wholeheartedness that he puts into his films. A level of soulful attention and fascination that comes through in his voice and the respect that he pays towards his subject matter. To improve your future blog posts I’d like you to try going into more detail. For example, when you mention interesting camera angles, I’d like you to show an example, discuss how it must have been achieved (in camera position/movement and how it edits with adjoining shots) and also why you think each choice was made in terms of what it makes the audience think and feel. You’re getting somewhere here, but it’s broad brushstrokes. For you next homework, I’d like you to write the piece, as you have done, leave it for a day, and then revisit it and look at where you could go into more detail and how you will illustrate it. Looking forward to seeing your work unfold, Poppy. Keep going!
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